Grand Circuit

Desert, Dunes & Lotus Lakes

When you want all of it. Every pass, every lake, every road.

Duration 9–10 Days
Difficulty Moderate-Challenging
Season Jun – Sep
Highest Point 5,359m

Overview

The Route

The complete Manali-Leh-Nubra-Pangong-Tso Moriri circuit, beginning and ending at Jispa. Through five high passes, two desert valleys, three significant lakes, and more monasteries than you can count. The grand lap of Ladakh.

Day by Day

Itinerary

Days 1–2 Jispa → Sarchu → Leh +

Via Baralacha La, Gata Loops, Tanglang La. Overnight at Sarchu. Arrive Leh, rest, acclimatize.

Day 3 Leh Sightseeing +

Obtain Inner Line Permits. Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Sangam, Hall of Fame.

Day 4 Leh → Nubra Valley +

Via Khardung La. Hunder dunes. Camel safari.

Day 5 Nubra Valley +

Diskit Monastery, Panamik hot springs.

Day 6 Nubra → Pangong Tso +

Via Shyok Valley. Watch sunset on the lake.

Day 7 Pangong Tso → Leh +

Via Chang La, Hemis, Thiksey.

Day 8 Leh → Tso Moriri +

Via Chumathang hot springs. The undiscovered answer to Pangong — fewer crowds, deeper silence.

Day 9 Tso Moriri → Tsokar → Sarchu +

Salt lake stop en route back.

Day 10 Sarchu → Jispa +

Return. Rest.

Key Highlights

What You Will See

Five passes: Baralacha La, Tanglang La, Khardung La, Chang La, Lachulung La
💧 Three lakes: Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Tsokar
🐫 Nubra Valley dunes and camel safari
Chumathang geothermal hot springs
🌊 Tso Moriri — the off-the-radar marvel

Be Prepared

Packing Checklist

Must Bring

Thermals / down jacket / windproof layer
Valid ID + ILP
Cash for 10 days
Diamox
SPF 50+ sunscreen
Water bottle + purification tablets

Leave Behind

Vodafone SIM
More than 1 bag
Delicate electronics
Expectations of hot showers
Best Time to Go

June to September. All passes typically open by mid-June.

Ready?

Plan Your Ladakh Circuit

Plan Your Ladakh Circuit →